It can be distressing to witness the pain of family, friends or even strangers going through a hard time. But what if, just like strengthening a muscle or learning a new hobby, we could train ourselves to be more compassionate and calm in the face of others’ suffering?

That is the question behind research from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a new study suggests that as little as two weeks of compassion meditation training – intentionally cultivating positive wishes to understand and relieve the suffering of others – may reduce the distress a person feels when witnessing another’s suffering. It may also improve their ability and likelihood to respond with compassion.

The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, may have implications for professions in which people routinely work with others who are suffering, like doctors, law enforcement officers and first responders who experience high levels of distress or empathic burnout.

“Compassion meditation may shift habits of becoming overly distressed when we encounter another’s pain,” says Helen Weng, assistant professor of psychiatry at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. She led the research while a graduate student at the Center for Healthy Minds at UW–Madison. “People can learn a calmer and more balanced response when they see someone suffering, even when they are attending more to suffering.”

For the study, 24 participants were randomly assigned and trained to do either 30 minutes of compassion meditation or reappraisal training (re-interpreting personally stressful events to decrease negative emotions) every day for two weeks.

The compassion meditation group was trained to visualize people when they were suffering and practice noticing their own personal reactions in a calm and nonjudgmental way. Focusing on a loved one, on themselves, on a stranger, and on someone with whom they had conflict, they also practiced caring for and wishing to help the other person.In this way, practicing compassion meditation was like exercising a muscle by gradually increasing the “weight” of the relationship with each person considered.

Both groups received brain scans before they were trained and after two weeks of practice to see whether compassion meditation made it easier for those trained to actually look at a suffering person. Humans are visually attentive as a species, Weng says, and looking at someone is a critical first step in determining if they’re in need.

“Your eyes are a window into what you care about,” she says. “We wanted to know: Does looking more at suffering in the mind’s eye translate into looking more at suffering out in the real world, and can this be done with less distress?”While in the brain scanner, participants viewed neutral images of strangers as well as emotionally-evocative images of people suffering – like a burn victim or crying child. They were instructed to react to the images as they normally would, and they were also asked to make use of their new training before and after two weeks of practice.

For instance, people in the compassion training group practiced compassion toward individuals in the images, having thoughts like: “May this person be happy and free from suffering.” The reappraisal group reframed the situation: “This person is an actor and isn’t really suffering.”

The researchers used eye-tracking techniques to record where people spent the most time gazing at each image, whether it was on areas of the image that were more negative – such as the faces of those in suffering – or on less emotionally charged parts of the image. They also compared this to how much time each participant looked at the socially relevant areas of neutral images, like the face of a person walking down the street.

The research team found that the people who had practiced compassion meditation and tended to look more directly at suffering in the negative images relative to the neutral photos also showed less activity in the amygdala, insula, and orbitofrontal cortex – areas of the brain that are usually more active when experiencing emotional distress and might lead to a withdrawal response and averted gaze. This finding was not present in the reappraisal group, and the results suggest compassion could be a mechanism through which people may become calmer in the face of suffering.

“With compassion meditation, it slows everything down so you can practice being calmer or noticing the feelings that arise and learning to be less reactive to it.” —Helen Weng

“We communicate a lot with our eyes, and this research suggests that compassion training has an impact on the body and can actually shift where you direct your visual attention when you see others in pain,” says Weng. “With compassion meditation, it slows everything down so you can practice being calmer or noticing the feelings that arise and learning to be less reactive to it. This gives you more mental space to focus on the other person, to practice wishing kindness and wanting them to be well, and I think both parts are really important for effectively responding to people suffering.”

Though the results are exciting, Weng says a larger and more diverse sample of people should be involved in a repeated study. The study was also performed with people who had never meditated before and it’s not yet clear whether scientists would find even more pronounced results in people who already had extensive compassion meditation practice.

Finally, compassion meditation could also be used as a strategy for working with people with conditions that affect how comfortable they are making eye contact with others, says Richard Davidson, founder of the Center for Healthy Minds and senior author of the study.

“The pattern of these findings – an increase in looking at suffering while simultaneously down-regulating neural circuits associated with negative emotion – is a winning combination that may be beneficial for a wide range of conditions including autism and social anxiety disorder in which gaze aversion and social discomfort are hallmark signs,” he adds.Study co-authors include former Center for Healthy Minds graduate student Regina Lapate, now at the University of California, Berkeley, and the UW–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health’s Diane Stodola and Gregory Rogers.

The compassion meditation practice reported in this study is freely available at the Center for Healthy Minds website. This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NCCIH, NIMH, NICHD), the University of Wisconsin Psychology Department, the Mind & Life Institute, the Fetzer Institute, the John Templeton Foundation, the Impact Foundation, the J. W. Kluge Foundation, the Mental Insight Foundation, and gifts from donors, including Bryant Wangard, Ralph Robinson, Keith and Arlene Bronstein.

Compassion is a concern for the misfortunes of others, sensitivity, tenderness, kindness, humanity, love, and charity. Compassion is the sympathetic consciousness for the distress of others together with a desire to alleviate it. ​

​Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Life has taught me that faith, hope, and love are the main components of compassion. The most compassionate act that I experienced happened soon after I was born. And it positively impacts my life today.

While living in a convent for unwed mothers, my birth mother was faced with the decision to give me up for adoption. So, fortunately, I went from my teenaged mother’s arms into the care of my great uncle and aunt, Ozell and Lillian Stinson who became my parents.

Their love was incontestable. Our home was a nurturing environment filled with undying support. I was cared for and protected by two loving parents who taught me so many life lessons that have brought me to where I am today. I never felt neglected or deprived. They were firm but not harsh. I learned so many life lessons like discipline, the need for educational development, respect for myself, family, other people, my community, and God’s universe. I was also taught the importance of a strong work ethic, self-sufficiency, trustworthiness, honesty, and about being a woman of good character. These qualities and more influenced me to become the woman I feel God planned for me to be. And he’s not done with me yet!

I think God wants me to share some of the compassion with others that was given to me. My great-uncle and aunt transitioned years ago, but the compassion and love they poured into my life live in me today. It has enabled a loving relationship with my 86 years old birth mother, and 11 loving brothers and sisters whom I wouldn’t trade for the world. God gave us each other and hope for our future generations. Compassion conquers adversity!

Angela Stinson retired from Milwaukee Public Schools where she taught 40 years, and also worked 20 years in the U.S. Army National Guard.

]]>Thu, 29 Nov 2018 19:05:18 GMThttp://www.blackwomen50plusmag.com/in-each-issue/find-hope-in-the-stormLord, the psalmist asked, how long O Lord,How long will Thou hide Thyself from me?Today, God, there are terrible disastersWhich take the lives of many people.It is hard to recognize Your hand in such a tragedy,But I pray that through such tribulations, many people can come to a deepened relationship with You,even a new relationship with You,as we recognize the frailty of our physical existenceand the lack of control we have over it.Perhaps You use these opportunities to knock at the heartsof those affected by these calamities, and I pray they let You in.No matter what tribulations arise in this life,if we have You dwelling in our hearts,we are sure to overcome. In Christ’s Name.Amen —Reverend Chestina Mitchell Archibald“In The Wake of Tragedy”

Find Hope in the Storm When You Feel You’re in the Storm

Mark 4:39-40 | Isaiah 41:10 | John 16:33

No matter what swirls around us, God promises to be our perfect peace. He assures us he is constantly with us, strengthening and supporting us. Pray that God will help you to keep your eyes and focus on him, not on the circumstances surrounding you. Ask him to help you grow in your trust, believing he is faithful to see us through. Write: In your journal, think of the top five or so things in your life right now that are causing you worry, fear, or anxiety. Give those things over to God now in prayer. Ask him to relieve your fears and help you remember his truth. Invite the Holy Spirit to begin to calm your soul by replacing the fear with the words of truth you just read. Write down the promises from the passages in Mark, Isaiah, and John. When fear begins to creep in, re-read these promises and thank God for his steadfast love.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s new memoir entitled Becoming will be available in book stores on November 13. It will be published in 24 languages and released in the U.S. and Canada in print and digital formats, as well as an audio edition, which she reads. Obama invites readers into her world, by chronicling the experiences that have shaped her - from her childhood on Chicago’s South Side to her years as First Lady of the United States.

“A Conversation with Michelle Obama” includes stops in Chicago, November 13, United Center | LA Forum, November 15 | and Detroit, December 11, Little Ceasars Arena. Billed as“An intimate conversation with Michelle Obama,” this isa once in a lifetime opportunity to see and hear the first African American First Lady of the United States. ​

Unfortunately, too many older adults are hungry, alone, and desperate to maintain the independence of staying in their homes. For these people, Meals on Wheels (MOW) is a godsend toward satisfying that goal.

Many housebound seniors are challenged by chronic illnesses and limited mobility. Consequently, preparing meals is a daunting chore. Drivers for MOW deliver 1,400 nutritious meals to these homes throughout the county daily. Individuals with disabilities that make normal activities harder, regardless of age, are also eligible for this service.

Bekki Schmitt, Information and Outreach Coordinator for the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, administrator for MOW says, “We know that this need will continue to increase with the growing senior population. Aging Outreach conducted to determine the number of potential candidates in Wisconsin needing support services revealed that — 320,958 seniors are isolated and live alone; 142,379 are threatened by hunger, and 313,406 seniors live near poverty.​Older adults who are physically able can enjoy lunch at the following senior centers —Clinton Rose, Kelly, McGovern Park, Washington Park, and Wilson Park in Milwaukee County. The suggested donations a hot meals is $3.00.

Awais H. Siddique, MD believes that many women suffering from chronic uterus pain are often misdiagnosed and subjected to needless hysterectomies. When, in fact, heir distress is caused by pelvic congestion syndrome resulting from problems with the veins in the pelvic area.​​The Franklin Institute, a science museum in Philadelphia, reports that the average adult body contains approximately 100,000 miles of blood vessels.

​Pelvic Congestion Syndrome(PCS) is also known asPelvic Vein Incompetence(PVI) which manifest as pooling or accumulation of blood in the veins surrounding the pelvis. This chronic medical condition in women is traced to genetics and varicose veins in the lower abdomen. Chronic pain and a constant dull ache aggravated by standing are also associated with this disease. ​Speaking with calmness, clarity, and confidence that characterizes his demeanor,Dr. Awais H. Siddique, an endovascular and interventional radiologist, is respected for his proficiency in this science and earned the distinction of being Medical Director at AZH Wound and Vascular Centers in Milwaukee, WI. During his career, he has successfully performed thousands of surgeries for vascular diseases including PCS.

Speaking with calmness and clarity which characterizeshis demeanor he explains, “Scientific evidence lags behind real-time developments. However, we know that one of the common prerequisites for PCS is pregnancy or genetics. After their second pregnancy, females begin to feel heaviness, fatigue and see varicose veins in their thighs. These women then develop leaky valves that enable blood to drop, due to gravity, into their pelvis rather than draining back to their heart. Once venous valves become incompetent, more and more blood will pool or collect in the veins. PCS is varicose veins inside your pelvis. Since the veins are not visible on the outside of the body quite often these symptoms are not detected.”

Three major types of blood vessels flowing through the body are arteries, which carry blood away from the heart; capillaries which enable the exchange of water and chemicals between the blood and tissues; and veins which carry blood from the capillaries back toward the heart.

Dr. Siddique explained further, “Consider the fact that the baby grows in the uterus which further obstructs blood flow, especially if the fetus rests on the right side of the mother’s body. The inferior vena cava, one of the largest veins in the body, passes through this area. That’s why pregnant women are told to lay on their left sides when sleeping. The superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava are the two largest veins in your body. The inferior vena cava carries blood from the lower and middle to the heart. The technology used to diagnose PCS is magnetic resonance venography, Ultrasound, and CT scan.”

Women begin to experience symptoms in their 40s and early 50s. Genetics is also a contributing factor for vascular disease. Misdiagnosis of PCS leads to unnecessary hysterectomies to remove all or part of the uterus for many women.Symptoms include feelings of heaviness and significant pressure in the pelvis, fatigue, pain after sexual intercourse, heavy clear discharge between menstrual cycles and frequent urination. Simple testing will reveal that the patient is suffering from PCS. If a woman is experiencing any of these symptoms, then it is wise to have the appropriate test such as ultrasound with the Valsalva maneuver, cat scan, and venography.

He said, “There are situations and conditions for which a hysterectomy is appropriate. However, many women in their late 40s, early 50s are directed to have a hysterectomy —surgical removal of the uterus— when this will not solve the problem. These are varicose veins surrounding the uterus, enlarging the pelvis, and promoting a leaky vein starting in the left venal/kidney vein. On the right side, it starts in the vena cava.

Treatment “In these cases, I recommend a minimally invasive procedure to embolize or close the vein with tiny fibers of platinum or titanium coils to block the blood vessel that is leaking in the wrong direction.

Many primary physicians are not familiar with Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Consequently, diagnosis of this disease is still limited.

“At the age of seven, my family left Pakistan and moved to Dubai for a better life. My father was an executive for Toyota Motor Corporation. I learned everything from him. We had conversations about world events and my career path, starting when I was four years old. I still go to him for advice,” said Dr. Awais H. Siddique.

He honored his father’s encouragement to become a doctor and is an endovascular and interventional radiologist. Using minimally invasive imaging techniques, he diagnoses, treats, and manages conditions in organs, arteries and blood vessels for life-threatening aneurysms to less complex varicose veins.

“After you leave the medical school he said, everything you’ve learned is obsolete in five years. So, one way that I stay abreast of all the innovations in my specialty is by reading the reports and medical periodicals and attending specialty conferences. If you don’t, your practice and patients will suffer.”

He achieved dual certifications thru the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) for the diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology — meaning that he studied beyond the graduation requirements for his specialty, passed exams and peer evaluations to prove his mastery of the extraordinary skills associated with his domain of practice. During his career, he has completed thousands of surgeries for multiple diseases such as cancer, stroke, varicose veins, angioplasty, and biliary tract illness — and been a blessing for countless patients who require his services.

Arriving at his office at 6:45 am, and it’s not uncommon that his day ends at 7:30 pm. “Reflecting on the 65-mile drive home, Dr. Siddique said, “ I don’t mind. It gives me time to decompress and talks with my father and sister in Michigan and brother who lives on the east coast.”​He also exhales by spending time with my family. “My older daughter is a high-level athlete and into horses. The younger one is in high school. I also enjoy kayaking with my wife. Another way that I relax is to drive my Porsche GT3 around the race track. I’m a firm believer in God. My basic philosophy is to live and let live.”

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGYa medical specialty in which, physicians are trained to use image-guided technology, i.e., MRI, Ultrasound, etc., to perform minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in organs and blood vessels to reduce risk, pain and recovery time. Interventional radiologists are also known as endovascular radiologists. They’re also trained to perform needle biopsies, insert stents, treat varicose veins and obstructions of the urinary tract and can help with dangerous postpartum bleeding.

PELVICthe lower part of the torso. It is positioned between the abdomen and the legs. This area provides support for the intestines and also contains the bladder and reproductive organs.

VEINSblood vessels are part of the blood circulation system, and carry blood toward the heart. Most veins carry blood from tissues back to the heart. The pulmonary and umbilical veins carry oxygenated blood to the heart.

ARTERIESany of the muscular walled tubes forming part of the circulation system by which blood is conveyed from the heart to all parts of the body.

Biliary Tractrefers to the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.

EMBOLIZATION OR EMBOLUSare clotted blood cells that move in the veins or arteries. Blood clots are either a thrombus- obstructing blood flow, or a moving blood clot called a thromboembolus. As an embolus moves through the blood vessels, it likely gets stuck in a passage that it can’t fit through and backs up blood behind it.

The cells that normally get their blood supply via this passage are starved of oxygen (ischemia) and die. This condition is called an embolism. Embolisms occur in various parts of the body such as the lungs or pulmonary; the brain causing ischemic strokes; retinal or small clots that block smaller blood vessels feeding the retina at the back of the eye; and septic which results from an infection in the body that invades the bloodstream and blocks blood vessels.

Most embolisms are the result of smoking, heart disease, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty plaque in the blood vessels), and high cholesterol. Many emboli are broken down by the body and go away by themselves; however, may cause death.​Sources:www.healthzone, Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, John Hopkins Medical Center

Dorothy Travis Moore’s latest inspiration book delivers and is a must-read for teachers and parents. Christian references are sprinkled throughout this narrative. One-hundred thirty-nine pages highlight real stories of at-risk students. Tried and true tactics developed to motivate young people to recognize their potential and move toward their destiny of accomplishments and success are also identified. Each chapter ends with tips ‘action plans’ for student progress. Final pages include an outline of ‘The Dangerous Dozen’ or social and emotional dynamics that can affect a child’s ability to learn — Low self-esteem. Inability to resolve conflict. Hostile school climate. High suspension rates. Outdated curriculums. Ineffective parenting. Peer pressure. Criminal behaviors. Failure to dream. Emotional isolation and feeling invisible. Dorothy Travis Moore is an educator’s educator and practices what she teaches. Her life of service and dedication to shaping successful career habits, particularly for African-American adolescent males, resulted in her being honored by the National School Safety Center as one of America’s Top Ten Principals of Leadership. Dorothy Travis Moore is a true icon, a blessing to everyone who has encountered her.

This report, for the first time, represents a major step in addressing the disparate treatment of Back girls inpublic systems. It challenges researchers to develop new studies to investigate the degree and prevalence of the adultification of Black girls. Data presented confirms that many adults view Black girls as less innocent andmore adult-like than their white peers, ages 5 to 14. “In light of the proven disparities in school discipline, we suggest that the perception of Black girls as less innocent may contribute to harsher punishment by educators and school resource officers.”

A snapshot of the data indicates that compared to white girls the same age, survey participants perceive that Black girls need less nurturing, protection, support, and comfort. And that Black girls are more independent, know more about adult topics and sex. Results of this attitude may translate into fewer leadership and mentorship opportunities for Black girls. Additionally, discrepancies in law enforcement and juvenile court practices may contribute to the more punitive exercise of discretion by those in positions of authority, greater use of force, and harsher penalties.

“Stereotypes often operate at subliminal levels, are reinforced by prevailing cultural representations and can have a dramatic impact on offenders, particularly juveniles.” The authors conclude that “Only by recognizing the phenomenon of adultification can we overcome the perception that innocence, like freedom, is a privilege.

DEMAND THE IMPOSSIBLE: ESSAYS IN HISTORY AS ACTIVISMBY Nathan Wuertenberg and William Horne, Eds.Westphalia Press

There are those among us who do not or choosenot to understand or accept history’s impact on thepresent. Addressing this dilemma, these scholarscontend that, “The culprit in this American historyas-mythology may be our schools and textbookswhich often depict historical knowledge ascomplete rather than ongoing.”

Wuertenberg and Horne report that “The deceptivetimeline of beginning, middle, end that presentshistory as linear and distant” can also be blamed.“Contemporary issues are produced historically.Prior events, ideas, and systems of power createdour world, and are repetitions of chronic problems which confront Americans.” Titles of the twelve essays includedare — Liberals, Leftists, And the Democratic Party, Racism And Rights: African-Americans and Contested Citizenship (s), Monuments and Power: Racism and Public Memory, Jobs and the Environment: Moving Beyond the Herrenvolk Democracy of Coal. Insuring Mental Health:Treatment and Access for the Mentally Ill, and Poverty as Policy: Wagelessness and Aid are also featured. Each of these examines the role of history inshaping ongoing debates and highlights the ways that today’s issues are historical expressions of power that continue to shape the present.

]]>Tue, 19 Jun 2018 17:08:23 GMThttp://www.blackwomen50plusmag.com/in-each-issue/remembering-mothers-love-and-lessonsArlena Robinson my grandmother, who we affectionately called Grandmama, and my father Huey Jones, made surethat my three siblings and I would be ready for life as responsible adults.

Grandmama was a custodian at the University of Chicago. No matter how hard her days were when she came home, she made sure that we ate, bathe, studied the Bible and knew the word of God. Not even the pain she regularly suffered from arthritis changed that routine. Her faith was enough to move mountains.

There are so many great things I can say about my father. He worked hard to make sure that we had a roof over our heads and got an education. One thing I’ll never forget is how, when I would have a transportation issue, Daddy would make me watch him fix the car. He said this was something I would need to know in life, so I would not have to ask or wait for someone to take care of it for me. I’m telling you I know a few things about a car today. Thank God for my Daddy.

For years when I was a child, I remember he always told us that you reap what you sew. I did not understand then, but now I know what he meant. If you do (sew) good deeds, usually that’s what you get back — the goodness of others. I learned many lessons from my Grandmama and Daddy that influence my life today. Namely, to treat people as I want to be treated, how to be kind, and how to develop a relationship with the Lord. Above all, they taught me to appreciate what I have and not take these things for granted.

Iralena McDonald

Lillie L. Clayton with daugthers Patricia Safford and Tammy Shaw

My mother, Lillie L. Clayton, had four children. She worked for Milwaukee Public Schools for 40+ years before retiring. As an educator even today if she encounters former students, they thank her for teaching them valuable lessons. For years she was a homemaker, and my father worked full-time. She provided us with a loving, safe and balanced home. Her yard was always beautiful with flowers and a garden. So, naturally, keeping the area around our house clean is one of the many lessons we learned. Other important instructions included – to be kind to others and to save our money for a rainy day. She encouraged us to keep God first, and that education and salvation are an unbeatable combination! We also learned her work ethic and the need for impeccable attendance. She went to work regardless of how she felt. My mother is strong, determined, fun loving, and persistent. She is a diamond in the rough! — Patricia Saffold

My mother was always a hard worker, who took care of home and put others before herself. She instilled in me an unshakable faith and taught me how to pray without ceasing, something I’ve also taught my daughters. Because of my mother’s example, I also have become a woman of integrity. We are extremely close and spend every day together, as I take her shopping, get her to church, and make sure she’s comfortable and accommodated at home. I’m truly grateful for our tight-knit relationship. Being the backbone of our family was not easy, but Momma has done so with grace, poise, and beauty. Over the years, she has shown great courage and perseverance despite the trials of life, which is admirable and inspiring. I love, thank, and praise my mother for all she’s done for me, my siblings, and our families! ​— Tammy Shaw

LUNG FORCE unites women and their loved ones across the country to stand together against lung cancer and for lung health which is the nations leading cause of cancer death. Today, we are proud to begin our commemoration of Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) and have published the results from our 4th Annual Lung Health Barometer

We learned that only 3 percent of women cite lung cancer as a top-of-mind health concern. The survey also revealed that only 15 percent of women and men are aware that screening for lung cancer is recommended and covered by Medicare and most healthcare plans at no cost, indicating the need to educate those at high risk about this life-saving screening tool. Low-dose CT scan is underutilized among high-risk populations.

What Can You Do?

Help others learn about lung cancer and the thousands of lives that could be saved by lung cancer screening. Share our Facebook and Twitter posts to help raise awareness of lung cancer with your friends and family. Quitting smoking is the single best thing an individual can do to reduce their risk of lung cancer. Your dedication has helped make the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE a powerful national movement, bringing lung cancer out of the shadows and into the light.

Melanie and Darryll Fortune showcasing FortuNuts at a tradeshow. www.furtunenuts.net

FortuNuts is a collection of savory fiber-rich nuts for people who prefer snacks other than chips and cookies. Melanie Fortune co-owns this venture with her husband, Darryll. ​

Why nuts? Because they are delicious, and can be used in a variety of ways from breakfast to midnight snacks. Furthermore, the nutritious benefits of nuts has been valued and confirmed by scientific circles for years. God’s gifts to humanity, nuts are rich in energy, protein, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. Peanuts, known as ‘smart food’, get props for protecting aging brains from cognitive decline.

FortuNuts come in four varieties: Sweet & Savory Pecans, Classic Almonds, Spicy Almonds and Luscious Cashews. Most orders can be delivered or shipped in a day or two.

FortuNuts began as a hobby. Both Melanie and Darryll come from large families. So, during Christmas instead of buying gifts for all their siblings and extended family and friends, Melanie would make gift packages consisting of roasted nuts.

The gifts were such a hit that Darryll’s mother suggested that Melanie start a business. “I laughed at the idea because I didn’t see myself as a business owner, and certainly not selling a product that I simply did for the love of it and family,” says Melanie. The couple also worked demanding corporate careers -- Melanie in information technology services and Darryll in public relations and marketing – while also raising two daughters.

Eventually Melanie rethought the idea and formed FortuNuts, LLC which officially launched in December 2011. The name, FortuNuts, was an obvious choice, combining the couple’s last name and the product.

“Our original business model was to position FortuNuts prominently in grocery stores,” said Melanie. “However, we learned that sometimes the store markups may not justify being on retailers’ shelves. Also, because this is a part-time business, we like the personalized service and want to be careful not to grow too fast and be unable to meet customer demand, so we are constantly adjusting.”

Today FortuNuts is found primarily online, via phone call or e-mail, and at Sentry Food Stores in Delafield. However, FortuNuts found wider appeal from individual and corporate group sales. Gift baskets are very popular especially when paired with wine or other customized gifts.​“We are really pleasantly surprised by the demand from organizations requesting thank you, congratulatory and holiday gifts to their friends and customers,” said Melanie.